A radiographic study of pulp crown dimensions of the mandibular deciduous second molar

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the difference in crown and pulp area and dimensions of the mandibular deciduous second molar in males and female children using digitized images of bitewing radiographs and image J®. Materials and Methods Bitewing radiographs of 48 children (24 males and 24 females) aged 3.69 to 9.46 years were assessed in a retrospective cross sectional study. Bitewings were photographed and Image J® was used to measure crown and pulp area and some linear measurements. A t-test was used to compare the difference between mean dimensions in males and females. Results There were no statistically significant(p < 0.5) differences in the area (hard tissue with pulp and without pulp area) or in the horizontal (mesial distal crown width, pulp and crown width at cervix) or vertical (mesial and distal pulp horn height to occlusal surface) dimensions of this tooth between boys and girls. Conclusions There were no difference found in the area and linear measurements of the lower second molar between boys and girls